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Excess Flow Valve

Natural gas is a clean and safe choice for your home or business.

In rare cases, careless excavation work can damage the gas lines that serve you. For added protection, installing an Excess Flow Valve (EFV) can shut off the flow of natural gas automatically if the line is damaged or broken. EFVs are not designed to shut off the flow of natural gas for low volume leaks or a faulty appliance.

EFVs are only for services with an operating pressure greater than 10 psig and a total service load of 1,000 SCFH or less. Customer services where an EFV may be installed must be free of contaminants that could interfere with the operation of the device and where the device will not interfere with operation and maintenance activities of customer equipment and appliances. If these conditions are present, an EFV may be installed on your natural gas service line.

MNG will install an EFV on your service for the cost of installation at your request. The estimated cost for a typical installation ranges between $1,500 and $3,500, but the costs can vary considerably depending on each unique location.

EFV installation normally requires the excavation of the natural gas service line at the connection to the main, and a brief service interruption. Following the installation, we will relight your appliances and restore the excavation site. If you would like an EFV installed, we can schedule the work at your convenience.

MNG will be responsible to maintain or replace your device as needed in the future. The costs are paid by the customer, and will be based upon actual expense at the time additional service is performed. The estimate of these costs are considered equivalent to the installation cost.

Interested in installing an EFV? Contact us at 207.729.0420 ext. 100 to get started.

Can snow and ice create a safety problem for gas meter sets?

Yes. Snow and ice can block gas services valves and make it difficult for first responders to turn off the gas to a building in the event of a fire or gas leak. Pressure regulators and relief vents can also become blocked. If this occurs, an over-pressurization or under-pressurization could result I a hazardous condition for customers.

Can snow and ice cause a safety problem for gas appliances?

Yes. Most natural gas equipment vent from the roof but some vent from other parts of your home, such as the sidewall. Periodically check outside your home to make sure your furnace, water heater, dryer, or fireplace vents are not blocked by snow and/or ice.

What should I do if I suspect a gas leak?

Use your senses to detect gas leaks. A natural gas leak is usually recognized by smell, sight, or sound. Remember, if you smell natural gas, get up, get out and call us immediately from a neighbor's phone.

Smell
Natural gas is colorless and odorless. For your safety, a distinctive, pungent odor, similar to rotten eggs, is added so that you'll recognize it quickly. Not all transmission lines are odorized.

Sight
You may see a white cloud, mist, fog, bubbles in standing water or blowing dust. You may also see vegetation that appears to be dead or dying for no apparent reason.

Sound
You may hear an unusual noise like roaring, hissing, or whistling.If you suspect a gas leak get up, go outside and call MNG from a neighbor's phone toll free at 877.532.5636 or call 911 for your local fire department. MNG will respond quickly to ensure that you and your family are safe.

Do not operate electrical switches or appliances. These items may produce a spark that might ignite the gas and cause an explosion.

Do not use a telephone.

Do not light a match or smoke and extinguish any open flames.

Do not assume someone else will report the condition.

Do not open windows and doors to ventilate the area.

Provide MNG with the exact location, including cross streets.

Let us know if sewer construction or digging activities are going on in the area.

What do I need to know about pressure regulators and relief valves?

Pressure regulators and relief valves have a pressure relief vent that must be capable of venting gas safely to open air. When a pressure regulator is located inside a building the vent must be piped to an area outside of the building so if it operates it will vent safely to free air.